10 Best Comfortable Running Shoes in 2022

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.4
10 Best Comfortable Running Shoes in 2022

When it comes to running shoes, comfort is king. Whether you’re a high mileage, daily runner, or a weekend warrior, we all want that running shoe that delivers great comfort while running.

Whatever your running preferences or racing requirements, there are hundreds of “comfortable” models out there from various brands choosing the right one can be confusing and time-consuming.

To guide you in your search for the most comfortable running shoes, we’ve handpicked the models that deliver that “aahhh, this-is-it” sensation. Each pair of shoes we recommend on this list was ranked on overall value, road or trail performance, budget-friendliness, and most popular options.

These top picks also earned high scores based on our rigorous testing in three areas such as overall fit, cushioning, and, yes, comfort.

Best overall
Brooks Ghost 14 Brooks Ghost 14
£150 £106 From Amazon
Best road
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
£150 £116 From Amazon
Best trail
Altra Lone Peak 5.0 Altra Lone Peak 5.0
£140 £106 From Amazon
Best value
Nike Free Run 5.0 Nike Free Run 5.0
£110 £91 From Amazon
Most popular
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
£130 £77 From Life Style Sports
See all 821 comfortable running shoes

Overview of this guide

How we test running shoes

With years of running under our belts and numerous hours of testing thousands of running shoes, we can definitely say that we know a lot about comfortable running shoes. In this list, we’ve highlighted the models based on the following selection process:

  • We buy all the shoes with our own money to avoid bias and brand loyalty.
  • We cut each shoe to pieces in our lab. We weigh and measure 30+ parameters of its essential parts, from cushioning, breathability, stability, and many more.
  • Our testers log at least 30 to 40 miles of running on each pair in various training and racing conditions.
  • We collect more information from other shoe experts and regular runners. We add them to our comparable data in a summary format.

The final rating on each shoe is reflected in our proprietary CoreScore system. Ranging from 0 to 100, you will see how each model is ranked among other 800+ comfortable running shoes in our portfolio. Our best picks are shown on this list.

Best comfortable running shoes overall

Brooks Ghost 14
Brooks Ghost 14
£106
See deal  
£112
See deal  
£131
See deal  
No stock  
Top pick

Corescore

93
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 30,995 users
91 / 100 from 15 experts

Pros

  • All about comfort!
  • True to size
  • Lots of padding
  • Smooth ride
  • Really stable, even on light trails
  • Breathable
  • Great out of the box
  • Built for longevity (500 miles, easily)
  • Great grip 

Cons

  • Lacks breathability for hot summer days
  • Not the best for long distances

Verdict

The Ghost 14 from Brooks really fits the bill as the shoe for all runners. It's a workhorse that's comfy enough for easy days, responsive for tempo sessions, and is heavy-duty to handle light trails. Overall, a no-fuss daily trainer that will work for all your runs!
See our full review and facts
Saucony Endorphin Speed
Saucony Endorphin Speed
£101
See deal  
£120
See deal  
No stock  
No stock  
Also great

Corescore

93
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 3,552 users
92 / 100 from 29 experts

Pros

  • Fast & responsive
  • Cushioned especially for the long runs
  • Spring, trampoline effect
  • Excellent durability 
  • Featherweight like a race shoe
  • Breathable
  • True to size
  • Perfect foot lock
  • Incredible value

Cons

  • Needs adaptation period 
  • Questionable grip on wet surfaces

Verdict

Among all the shoes we've tested, nothing comes close to how the Saucony Endorphin Speed fits the bill as a speedster that can certainly go the distance! Whether it's a 10K, half marathon, or marathon, you can set PBs in this baby! Might feel weird while walking or jogging, but becomes a perfect fit when you really pick up the pace. It's made for speed, and it sticks to that!
See our full review and facts

Best road comfortable running shoes

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
£116
See deal  
£131
See deal  
No stock  
No stock  
Top pick

Corescore

92
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 5,723 users
95 / 100 from 8 experts

Pros

  • Fits true to size
  • Promising durability
  • Stability for all directions
  • Improved aesthetics
  • Phenomenal grip
  • A firmer, faster midsole
  • Consistent in all conditions
  • Reliable daily runner

Cons

  • Very heavy
  • High price point for stability aimed at beginners
  • Midsole is too hard for some

Verdict

One of Brooks’ most revered and popular stability shoes gets a well-needed modern update for 2022. This daily runner is loved by many because it’s seen as the Jack of all trades running shoe thanks to a bi-directional correction for different over-pronation. With fresher looks, it’s now an even more attractive option.
See our full review and facts
Brooks Glycerin 20
Brooks Glycerin 20
£140
See deal  
£151
See deal  
No stock  
No stock  
Also great

Corescore

88
Great!
5.0 / 5 from 5 users
92 / 100 from 2 experts

Pros

  • Plush cushion
  • Awesome step-in feel
  • Responsive ride
  • Breathable during hot days
  • Tank-like build
  • Weighs less than it looks
  • Great-value choice
  • Comfortable fit
  • Grippy even on wet road and gravel

Cons

  • Laces don't stay tied
  • Blocky ride

Verdict

"The hype is real." This is how runners find the Glycerin 20 from Brooks. They even hail it as the best Glycerin to date. With its luxe comfort and a touch of pop, it's a fun and lively workhorse that works perfectly for recovery days and long miles on the road. Overall, the Brooks Glycerin 20 is a tried-and-true daily trainer that's a cozy and reliable pick for both beginners and seasoned road runners.
See our full review and facts

Best trail comfortable running shoes

Altra Lone Peak 5.0
Altra Lone Peak 5.0
£106
See deal  
No stock  
No stock  
£77
See deal  
Top pick

Corescore

92
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 5,179 users
89 / 100 from 19 experts

Pros

  • Great for wide feet
  • Superb grip (rocks, mud, ice, snow) 
  • Stiff and durable 
  • Sheds mud easily
  • Great water drainage
  • Balanced and stable ride
  • Removable Ortholite insole
  • Great for road-to-trail transitions
  • Extremely breathable
  • Rock plate for technical terrain
  • Gaiter-friendly
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • No ground feel
  • Too cold for winter days

Verdict

The Altra Lone Peak 5.0 is a trail shoe that will make you run with confidence! It's sturdy underfoot, supportive, and it's got the right blend of comfort and responsiveness. Throw in any terrain, and this shoe will bite its way through them!
See our full review and facts
Nike Pegasus Trail 3
Nike Pegasus Trail 3
£81
See deal  
£89
See deal  
£93
See deal  
£105
See deal  
Also great

Corescore

89
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 160 users
87 / 100 from 13 experts

Pros

  • Soft, bouncy ride
  • Very comfortable
  • True to size
  • Wide for a Nike
  • Wide loop on heel
  • Built to last
  • Reflective swoosh
  • Killer grip on dry trails

Cons

  • Not grippy in wet
  • Runs warm

Verdict

The Pegasus road series just holds a special place in our feet, we just had to see it in trail action. And voila! 50 miles later, the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 won us over with its uber plush landings! It's stable and comfy and will make your run cloud-like. When faced with slick surfaces, however, it shows its limitations.
See our full review and facts

Best value comfortable running shoes

Nike Free Run 5.0
Nike Free Run 5.0
£91
See deal  
£101
See deal  
£126
See deal  
No stock  
Top pick

Corescore

83
Good!
4.3 / 5 from 12,271 users
86 / 100 from 1 experts

Pros

  • Insane lightness
  • Glove-like fit
  • Heel loop
  • Easy lacing system
  • Super breathable 
  • True to size
  • Comfotable as an everyday slipper
  • Extremely flexible

Cons

  • Short runs only
  • Lack of proper outsole
  • Insole not removable

Verdict

Ah, the Nike Free Run… Calling this a running shoe is a stretch, but there’s still a vestige of folks out there in the minimalist fan group that likes the slipper-like feel of Nike’s long-running “Free” lineup. The 2021 update steers back toward a less bizarre-looking shoe than we saw in 2020 but continues with the ultralight and ultra-flexible design.
See our full review and facts
Brooks Revel 5
Brooks Revel 5
£86
See deal  
No stock  
No stock  
No stock  
Also great

Corescore

86
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 6,231 users
89 / 100 from 4 experts

Pros

  • True to size
  • Fits like a dream
  • Accommodating stretchy upper
  • Efficient transitions
  • Surprisingly peppy
  • Laces stay tied tightly
  • Low to the ground
  • Durable construction
  • Great deal
  • Do-it-all shoe
  • Impressive weight
  • Breathable

Cons

  • Not for long runs
  • No reflective details

Verdict

An affordable trainer that's got the makings of advanced running shoes? Hello, Brooks Revel 5! It's a smooth and lively jack-of-all-trades that will keep your feet comfy and bouncing. It can push the pace, eat up half-marathon distances, and breeze through your daily runs!
See our full review and facts

Most popular comfortable running shoes

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
£77
See deal  
£78
See deal  
£82
See deal  
£83
See deal  
Top pick

Corescore

86
Great!
4.3 / 5 from 2,368 users
88 / 100 from 21 experts

Pros

  • Wider than Pegasus 37
  • Very stable ride
  • Peppy toe-off
  • Hugs your feet 
  • Padded upper
  • Very durable (400-500miles)
  • Grippy even on dirt roads
  • Legit workhorse
  • Doubles as a gym shoe
  • A joy to run in

Cons

  • Runs warm
  • Above-average weight

Verdict

If there's one thing we can't take away from the Pegasus 38, it's that it's the GOAT of all workhorse shoes in our arsenal! It oozes with plushness, stability, and pop. It can do slow days, tempo sessions, and even gym workouts. If you want a fun ride, take the Pegasus 38!
See our full review and facts
Hoka One One Bondi 7
Hoka One One Bondi 7
£105
See deal  
£111
See deal  
£131
See deal  
£131
See deal  
Also great

Corescore

89
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 119,159 users
86 / 100 from 20 experts

Pros

  • Next-level comfort 
  • Great lockdown 
  • Molds to the feet
  • Breathable
  • Stable
  • Awesome for heel strikers
  • Great grip on roads & light trails
  • True to size
  • 3 widths for men
  • 2 widths for women

Cons

  • Feels big & heavy  
  • Pricey

Verdict

After putting it to the test, we can confidently say that the Hoka Bondi 7 screams comfort! It's highly cushioned and soft, we just couldn't get enough of it in long-distance recovery runs. It runs as smooth as a butter! And if there was a heaven for the feet, this is it right here. If there's a downside, it's that all its plushness comes at the expense of durability.
See our full review and facts

What are the most popular comfortable running shoes in 2022?

  1. Brooks Ghost 14
  2. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
  3. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
  4. Nike Free Run 5.0
  5. Brooks Revel 5
  6. Hoka One One Bondi 7
  7. On Cloudmonster
  8. Saucony Endorphin Speed 2
  9. Asics Gel Nimbus 24
  10. Nike Zoom Fly 4
  11. Nike Revolution 6
  12. Asics Gel Kayano 28
  13. Nike Pegasus Trail 3
  14. Asics Novablast 2
  15. Altra Lone Peak 6

See all comfortable running shoes sorted by popularity

What are the cheapest comfortable running shoes in 2022?

  1. Nike Revolution 6 - from £22
  2. Adidas Duramo 10 - from £25
  3. Reebok Lite Plus 3 - from £26
  4. Adidas Questar Flow NXT - from £28
  5. Asics Jolt 3 - from £29
  6. Adidas Galaxy 5 - from £30
  7. Under Armour Charged Rogue 2.5 - from £33
  8. Adidas Fluidstreet - from £35
  9. Adidas Racer TR21 - from £36
  10. Adidas Runfalcon 2.0 TR - from £37
  11. Asics Patriot 12 - from £39
  12. Asics Trail Scout 2 - from £39
  13. Nike Renew Ride 2 - from £40
  14. Reebok RUN_R 96 - from £40
  15. Under Armour Charged Vantage - from £42

See all comfortable running shoes sorted by lowest price

Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.

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